The Community Heat Development Unit (CHDU) is an ambitious research and innovation project led by Sharenergy and funded by the Energy Redress Scheme that aims to jumpstart a wave of community owned heat networks in the UK. The initial funded phase of the project completed in October 2025.
The experience of community heat network projects in the UK is that many are suggested, but few are successful. The CHDU project has brought a data-led approach to identifying where the best chances for successful community heat networks are – drawing on work that had already been completed but adding the crucial element of community ownership that is Sharenergy’s specialism.
This 18-month project aimed to develop a business model that can operate in these ‘sweet spots’, as well as a Community Heat Delivery Unit to support the development of locally-owned networks. We want communities all over the country to be able to take control in the effort to decarbonise their heat needs.
The main project outputs are available in the Reports page of this website, including location specific case studies. Much of the heat network modelling work is also explained on the Model page, and the outputs of the CHDU nationwide site search are available in the CHDU Focus Areas map. We produced this video to provide an overview of the project.
The CHDU project partners are:
Sharenergy is a not-for-profit organisation established to help renewable co-operatives get up and running. Sharenergy are leading and project managing the CHDU project.
Community Energy England (CEE) is a not-for-profit organisation representing the voice of the Community Energy sector in England. They are providing outreach and engagement support as part of the CHDU project.
The Marches Energy Agency (MEA) is an independent not-for-profit charity, providing support and advice in the area of insulation retrofit as part of the CHDU project.
Carbon Alternatives is a hands-on consultancy that works to improve the technical and economic implementation of heat networks with experience in the feasibility, design, construction, commissioning and operation of heat networks, utilising CHP, heat pumps, chillers, thermal storage etc. Carbon Alternatives are providing technical support to the CHDU project, advising on heat network design and feasibility.
Sharenergy are supporting the charity Lightfoot to develop a low carbon community heat network in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire. The CHDU project is working closely with the Bishop’s Castle Community Heat Network project to ensure key learning is shared.
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